Power-supply control device, image processing apparatus, power-supply control method, and computer readable medium

ABSTRACT

A power-supply control device includes a power-supply control section, a first detection section that detects whether or not a body capable of movement is moving, a second detection section that detects whether or not the body capable of movement exists, and an instruction section. The power-supply control section receives supply of power from a mains power source section, and selectively sets a power supply mode, in which power is supplied to a processing section, and a power saving mode, in which supply of power to the processing section is stopped. The first and second detection sections and the instruction section are caused to operate at least in the power saving mode. The instruction section provides, for the power-supply control section, an instruction for switching between the power supply mode and the power saving mode.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based on and claims priority under 35 USC 119 fromJapanese Patent Application No. 2010-259235 filed Nov. 19, 2010.

BACKGROUND (i) Technical Field

The present invention relates to a power-supply control device, an imageprocessing apparatus, a power-supply control method, and a computerreadable medium storing a program.

SUMMARY

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided apower-supply control device including a power-supply control section, afirst detection section, a second detection section, and an instructionsection. The power-supply control section receives supply of power froma mains power source section, and selectively sets a power supply modeand a power saving mode. In the power supply mode, power is supplied toa processing section that operates using power supplied from the mainspower source section. In the power saving mode, supply of power to theprocessing section is stopped. For the first detection section, a firstregion comparatively distant from the processing section is set as adetection target region. The first detection section is caused tooperate by receiving supply of power at least in the power saving modeset by the power-supply control section, and detects whether or not abody capable of movement is moving. For the second detection section, asecond region comparatively near the processing section is set as adetection target region. The second detection section is caused tooperate by receiving supply of power at least in the power saving modeset by the power-supply control section, and detects whether or not thebody capable of movement exists. The instruction section is caused tooperate by receiving supply of power at least in the power saving modeset by the power-supply control section, and provides, for thepower-supply control section, on the basis of results of detectionperformed by the first detection section and the second detectionsection, an instruction for switching between the power supply mode andthe power saving mode.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Exemplary embodiment(s) of the present invention will be described indetail based on the following figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an image processing apparatus accordingto the present exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating a configuration of a maincontroller and a power-source device in the present exemplaryembodiment;

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram illustrating a flow of control,which is performed in a during-power-saving monitoring control section,for monitoring a state in which a person approaches the image processingapparatus during a power saving mode in the present exemplaryembodiment;

FIG. 4 is a control flow diagram illustrating ashifting-to-power-saving-mode interrupt routine in a case of shifting tothe power saving mode in the present exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a control flow diagram illustrating a power-saving-modemonitoring control routine in the present exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a plan view of the image processing apparatus and theperiphery thereof, which illustrates an example in the present exemplaryembodiment;

FIG. 7 illustrates a timing diagram of a pattern A illustrated in FIG.6, in which timing is illustrated using detection signals output from afirst human-presence sensor and a second human-presence sensor;

FIG. 8 illustrates a timing diagram of a pattern B illustrated in FIG.6, in which timing is illustrated using the detection signals outputfrom the first human-presence sensor and the second human-presencesensor; and

FIG. 9 illustrates a timing diagram of a pattern C illustrated in FIG.6, in which timing is illustrated using the detection signals outputfrom the first human-presence sensor and the second human-presencesensor.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates an image processing apparatus 10 according to thepresent exemplary embodiment. The image processing apparatus 10 includesan image forming section 240 that forms an image on a recording sheet,an image reading section 238 that reads a document image, and afacsimile-communication control circuit 236. The image processingapparatus 10 includes a main controller 200. The main controller 200controls the image forming section 240, the image reading section 238,and the facsimile-communication control circuit 236, thereby temporarilystoring image data regarding a document image read by the image readingsection 238 or transmitting the read image data to the image formingsection 240 or to the facsimile-communication control circuit 236.

A network-communication network 20 such as the Internet is connected tothe main controller 200. A telephone network 22 is connected to thefacsimile-communication control circuit 236. The main controller 200 isconnected to, for example, a host computer, via thenetwork-communication network 20. The main controller 200 has a functionof receiving image data and a function of performing facsimile receptionand facsimile transmission using the telephone network 22 via thefacsimile-communication control circuit 236.

The image forming section 240 includes a photoconductor drum. Around thephotoconductor drum, a charging device, a scanning exposure unit, animage development unit, a transfer unit, and a cleaning unit areprovided. The charging device uniformly charges the photoconductor drum.The scanning exposure unit scans the photoconductor using a light beamon the basis of image data. The image development unit develops anelectrostatic latent image that has been formed by scanning thephotoconductor drum with the scanning exposure unit so as to expose thephotoconductor drum to the light beam. The transfer unit transfers, ontoa recording sheet, an image that has been visualized on thephotoconductor drum. The cleaning unit cleans the surface of thephotoconductor drum after transfer is performed by the transfer unit.Furthermore, a fixing unit that fixes the image which has beentransferred onto the recording sheet is provided along a path alongwhich the recording sheet is transported.

In the image reading section 238, a document plate, a scanning drivesystem, and photoelectric conversion elements are provided. On thedocument plate, positioning of a document is performed. The scanningdrive system scans an image formed on the document that is placed on thedocument plate, thereby irradiating the image with light. Thephotoelectric conversion elements, such as CCDs, receive reflected lightor transmitted light, which are obtained by scanning the image with thescanning drive system, and convert the reflected light or transmittedlight into electric signals.

Regarding the image processing apparatus 10, a plug 245 is also attachedto an end of an input power line 244. The plug 245 is inserted in a plugplate 243 of a mains power source 242 for which installation of wires toa wall surface W is performed, thereby receiving supply of power.

FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating a configuration in whichdevices controlled by the main controller 200, the main controller 200,and power lines of a power-source device 202 used to supply power to theindividual devices, and so forth are provided.

Main Controller 200

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the main controller 200 includes a centralprocessing unit (CPU) 204, a random-access memory (RAM) 206, a read-onlymemory (ROM) 208, an input/output (I/O) (input/output section) 210, anda bus 212 including a data bus, a control bus, and so forth that areused to connect the CPU 204, the RAM 206, the ROM 208, the I/O 210 toeach other. A user interface (UI) touch panel 216 is connected to theI/O 210 via a UI control circuit 214. Furthermore, a hard disk (HDD) 218is connected to the I/O 210. The CPU 204 operates in accordance with aprogram recorded in the ROM 208, the hard disk 218, or the like, therebyrealizing functions of the main controller 200. Note that the programmay be installed from a recording medium (a compact disc read-onlymemory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk read-only memory (DVD-ROM), orthe like) on which the program is stored, and the CPU 204 may operate inaccordance with the program, whereby image processing functions may berealized.

A timer circuit 220 and a communication-line interface (I/F) 222 areconnected to the I/O 210. Furthermore, the individual devices, which arethe facsimile-communication control circuit (a modem) 236, the imagereading section 238, and the image forming section 240, are connected tothe I/O 210.

Note that, the timer circuit 220 counts an initial setting time as atrigger for setting the facsimile-communication control circuit 236, theimage reading section 238, and the image forming section 240 to be in apower-saving state (a state in which power is not supplied).

Power is supplied from the power-source device 202 to the maincontroller 200 and the individual devices (the facsimile-communicationcontrol circuit 236, the image reading section 238, and the imageforming section 240) (see dotted lines illustrated in FIG. 2). Notethat, although one line (a dotted line) is illustrated as a power linein FIG. 2, the power line includes a few wiring lines in reality.

Power-Source Device 202

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the input power line 244, which is routed fromthe mains power source 242, is connected to a main switch 246. The mainswitch 246 is turned on, whereby supply of power to a first power-sourcesection 248 and a second power-source section 250 becomes enabled.

The first power-source section 248 includes a control-power generatingunit 248A. The control-power generating unit 248A is connected to apower-supply control circuit 252 of the main controller 200. Thepower-supply control circuit 252 supplies power to the main controller200, and is connected to the I/O 210. The power-supply control circuit252 performs, in accordance with a control program executed by the maincontroller 200, switching control for causing electricity to beconducted/not conducted through power-supply lines through which poweris supplied to the individual devices (the facsimile-communicationcontrol circuit 236, the image reading section 238, and the imageforming section 240).

In contrast, regarding a power line 254 that is to be connected to thesecond power-source section 250, a first sub-power-source switch 256(hereinafter, referred to as a “SW-1” in some cases) is intervenedbetween the power line 254 and the second power-source section 250. TheSW-1 is controlled by the power-supply control circuit 252 so as to beturned on/off.

Furthermore, the second power-source section 250 includes a high-voltagepower generating unit 250H and a low-voltage power generating unit(LVPS) 250L. The high-voltage power generating unit 250H is a powersource that is used, for example, for a heater of the fixing unit of theimage forming section 240 and so forth. Power for the high-voltage powergenerating unit 250H is generated by the low-voltage power generatingunit 250L.

The high-voltage power generating unit 250H and the low-voltage powergenerating unit (LVPS) 250L of the second power-source section 250 areselectively connected to an image-reading-function power-supply section258, an image-forming-function power-supply section 260, animage-copy-function power-supply section 262, afacsimile-reception-function power-supply section 264, and afacsimile-transmission-function power-supply section 266.

The image-reading-function power-supply section 258 uses the low-voltagepower generating unit (LVPS) 250L as an input source, and is connectedto the image reading section 238 via a second sub-power-source switch268 (hereinafter, referred to as a “SW-2” in some cases).

The image-forming-function power-supply section 260 uses thehigh-voltage power generating unit 250H and the low-voltage powergenerating unit (LVPS) 250L as input sources, and is connected to theimage forming section 240 via a third sub-power-source switch 270(hereinafter, referred to as a “SW-3” in some cases).

The image-copy-function power-supply section 262 uses the high-voltagepower generating unit 250H and the low-voltage power generating unit(LVPS) 250L as input sources, and is connected to the image readingsection 238 and the image forming section 240 via a fourthsub-power-source switch 272 (hereinafter, referred to as a “SW-4” insome cases).

The facsimile-reception-function power-supply section 264 uses thehigh-voltage power generating unit 250H and the low-voltage powergenerating unit (LVPS) 250L as input sources, and is connected to thefacsimile-communication control circuit 236 and the image formingsection 240 via a fifth sub-power-source switch 274 (hereinafter,referred to as a “SW-5” in some cases).

The facsimile-transmission-function power-supply section 266 uses thelow-voltage power generating unit (LVPS) 250L as an input source, and isconnected to the facsimile-communication control circuit 236 and theimage reading section 238 via a sixth sub-power-source switch 276(hereinafter, referred to as a “SW-6” in some cases) (output of acommunication report and so forth is excluded).

As in the case of the first sub-power-source switch 256, each of thesecond sub-power-source switch 268, the third sub-power-source switch270, the fourth sub-power-source switch 272, the fifth sub-power-sourceswitch 274, and the sixth sub-power-source switch 276 is controlled, inaccordance with a power-supply selection signal supplied from thepower-supply control circuit 252 of the main controller 200, so as to beturned on/off.

In the above-described configuration, the power sources connected so asto select the individual devices (the facsimile-communication controlcircuit 236, the image reading section 238, and the image formingsection 240) on a function-by-function basis are provided, and power isnot supplied to devices that are not necessary for a specified function.Accordingly, minimum necessary power is only necessary.

Monitoring During Power Saving Mode

Here, regarding the main controller 200 in the present exemplaryembodiment, in some cases, the functions thereof are partially stoppedin order to consume minimum necessary power. Alternatively, in somecases, supply of power to elements including most sections of the maincontroller 200 is stopped. Such cases are collectively referred to a“power saving mode”. A during-power-saving monitoring control section 24is provided as an element that always receives supply of power duringthe power saving mode, and is connected to the I/O 210. Theduring-power-saving monitoring control section 24 may be configuredusing, for example, an integrated circuit (IC) chip, which is referredto as an “application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC)”, in which anoperation program is stored, and which includes a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, andso forth that are processed in accordance with the operation program.

When monitoring during the power saving mode is performed, it issupposed that, for example, an operation is performed on the UI touchpanel 216 or an operation is performed on so-called hard keys (forexample, operation buttons for providing a copy instruction, a facsimileinstruction, and so forth), and, in accordance with the operation, theduring-power-saving monitoring control section 24 controls the firstsub-power-source switch 256, the second sub-power-source switch 268, thethird sub-power-source switch 270, the fourth sub-power-source switch272, the fifth sub-power-source switch 274, and the sixthsub-power-source switch 276, thereby supplying power to devices thathave been set in the power saving mode.

Furthermore, a power-saving cancel button 26 is connected to the I/O 210of the main controller 200. A user performs an operation on thepower-saving cancel button 26 during the power saving mode, wherebypower saving can be cancelled.

Here, in order to monitor an operation performed on the UI touch panel216 or an operation performed on the so-called hard keys (including thepower-saving cancel button 26), which are described above, it issupposed that power is supplied to the UI touch panel 216 of the maincontroller 200 and so forth in addition to the during-power-savingmonitoring control section 24.

Accordingly, in reality, even during the power saving mode, minimumnecessary power that is, for example, necessary for input systemsincluding the UI touch panel 216 is supplied.

Furthermore, when a user stands in front of the image processingapparatus 10, and, then, performs an operation on the power-savingcancel button 26, thereby resuming supply of power, there are some casesin which it takes time until the image processing apparatus 10 becomesactivated.

For this reason, in the present exemplary embodiment, for reduction ofthe amount of power supplied to the main controller 200 by monitoringduring the above-described power saving mode, in order to further reducethe amount of power supplied to the main controller 200, two types ofhuman-presence sensors (a first human-presence sensor 28 and a secondhuman-presence sensor 30) having specifications different from eachother are provided in the during-power-saving monitoring control section24. In the power saving mode, supply of power to sections excluding thefirst human-presence sensor 28, the second human-presence sensor 30, andthe during-power-saving monitoring control section 24 is interrupted.

Note that, regarding the first human-presence sensor 28 and the secondhuman-presence sensor 30, the term “human presence” is used. However,the term “human presence sensor” is a proper noun used in accordancewith the present exemplary embodiment. The human-presence sensor atleast needs to detect a person. In other words, the human-presencesensor may also detect a body capable of movement other than a person.Accordingly, in the description give below, there are some cases inwhich a target to be detected by the human-presence sensor is a“person”. However, in the future, a robot or the like that performs anoperation instead of a person may be included in examples of a target tobe detected by the human-presence sensor. Note that, in contrast, when aspecific sensor capable of exclusively detecting a person exists, thespecific sensor may be applied.

Regarding the first human-presence sensor 28, it is supposed that, inthe periphery of the image processing apparatus 10, the firsthuman-presence sensor 28 has, as a detection region (hereinafter,referred to as a “first region F”), a region larger than the detectionregion of the second human-presence sensor 30, which is described below.For example, the detection region of the first human-presence sensor 28ranges about 2 m to about 3 m (see the first region F (far) illustratedin FIG. 6), although depending on the environment of a place in whichthe image processing apparatus 10 is disposed.

In contrast, it is supposed that the second human-presence sensor 30has, as a detection region (hereinafter, referred to as a “second regionN”), a region smaller than the detection region (the first region F) ofthe first human-presence sensor 28, which is described above. Forexample, the detection region of the second human-presence sensor 30ranges so that a user can perform an operation on the UI touch panel 216or the hard keys of the image processing apparatus 10, and ranges fromabout 0 m to about 0.5 m (see the second region N (near) illustrated inFIG. 6).

The specification of the first human-presence sensor 28 includesdetection of movement of a person. The first human-presence sensor 28 istypified by, for example, an infrared ray sensor using a pyroelectriceffect of a pyroelectric element.

The most distinctive feature of the first human-presence sensor 28 isthat the detection region thereof is large (the detection region rangesfrom about 2 m to about 3 m or may range from 2 m or less to 3 m ormore). Furthermore, because the first human-presence sensor 28 detectsmovement of a person, when a person is standing still in the detectionregion, the first human-presence sensor 28 does not detect the existenceof the person. For example, supposing that a high-level signal is outputwhen a person moves, when the person becomes still in the detectionregion, the signal changes from the high-level signal to a low-levelsignal.

As a matter of course, the meaning of the term “still” in the presentexemplary embodiment also includes a state in which a person iscompletely still, as in a still image captured by a still camera or thelike. However, for example, the meaning of the term “still” alsoincludes a state in which a person is standing still in front of theimage processing apparatus 10 for the sake of performing an operation.Accordingly, the meaning of the term “still” includes a state in which aperson slightly moves in a range that is determined in advance or astate in which a person moves a hand, a leg, the neck, or the like.

Note that it is not necessarily necessary to use a scheme in which thesensitivity of the first human-presence sensor 28 is adjusted after themeaning of the term “still” is defined as described above. Thesensitivity of the first human-presence sensor 28 may be comparativelyroughly and typically adjusted, and may depend on the detection state ofthe first human-presence sensor 28. In other words, when the firsthuman-presence sensor 28 outputs one of binary signals (for example, ahigh-level signal), it may be indicated that a person is moving. When aperson exists in the detection region of the first human-presence sensor28 and the other signal of the binary signals (for example, a low-levelsignal) is output, it may be indicated that the person is standingstill.

The specification of the second human-presence sensor 30 includesdetection of presence/non-presence (existence/non-existence) of aperson. The second human-presence sensor 30 is typified by, for example,a reflection-type sensor including a light-projecting unit and alight-receiving unit. Note that a configuration in which thelight-projecting unit and the light-receiving unit are separated fromeach other may be used.

The most distinctive feature of the second human-presence sensor 30 isthat the second human-presence sensor 30 reliably detectspresence/non-presence of a person in accordance with whether or notlight that is to enter the light-receiving unit is interrupted.Furthermore, because the amount of light entering the light-receivingunit is limited by the amount of light projected from thelight-projecting unit or the like, the detection region of the secondhuman-presence sensor 30 is a comparatively short region (the detectionregion ranges from about 0 m to about 0.5 m as described above).

Here, the first human-presence sensor 28 and the second human-presencesensor 30, which are mounted in the image processing apparatus 10according to the present exemplary embodiment, are connected to theduring-power-saving monitoring control section 24 as described above.Detection signals from the first human-presence sensor 28 and the secondhuman-presence sensor 30 are input to the during-power-saving monitoringcontrol section 24.

The during-power-saving monitoring control section 24 makes distinctionsamong the following three situations on the basis of the detectionsignals output from the first human-presence sensor 28 and the secondhuman-presence sensor 30.

(First Situation)

A person approaches, for the sake of using the image processingapparatus 10, a position at which the person can perform an operation onthe image processing apparatus 10.

The distinction between the first situation and the other situations canbe made by establishing the following flow: first, it is detected by thefirst human-presence sensor 28 that a person has entered the firstregion F; after that, it is detected by the second human-presence sensor30 that the person has entered the second region N while the person isbeing continuously detected by the first human-presence sensor 28; and,then, the person (standing still) in the second region N is not detectedby the first human-presence sensor 28 (see movement (a pattern A)indicated by the arrow A illustrated in FIG. 6).

(Second Situation)

A person approaches, not for the sake of using the image processingapparatus 10, a position at which the person can perform an operation onthe image processing apparatus 10.

The distinction between the second situation and the other situationscan be made by establishing the following flow: first, it is detected bythe first human-presence sensor 28 that a person has entered the firstregion F; after that, it is detected by the second human-presence sensor30 that the person has entered the second region N while the person isbeing continuously detected by the first human-presence sensor 28; theperson leaves the second region N (the person is not detected by thesecond human-presence sensor 30) while (the movement of) the person inthe second region N is being continuously detected by the firsthuman-presence sensor 28; and, furthermore, the person leaves the firstregion F (the person is not detected by the first human-presence sensor28) (see movement (a pattern B) indicated by the arrow B illustrated inFIG. 6).

(Third Situation)

Although a person does not approach a position at which the person canperform an operation on the image processing apparatus 10, the personreaches a certain position so that the situation may change from thethird situation to the first or second situation.

The distinction between the third situation and the other situations canbe made by establishing the following flow: first, it is detected by thefirst human-presence sensor 28 that a person has entered the firstregion F; and, after that, the person leaves the first region F (theperson is not detected by the first human-presence sensor 28) while theperson is not being detected by the second human-presence sensor 30 (seemovement (a pattern C) indicated by the arrow C illustrated in FIG. 6).

The during-power-saving monitoring control section 24 determines thethree types of situations, which are described above, on the basis ofthe detection signals of the first human-presence sensor 28 and thesecond human-presence sensor 30. First, the during-power-savingmonitoring control section 24 supplies, on the basis of determination ofthe three types of situations, power to the input systems including theUI touch panel 216 and the hard keys that are connected to the maincontroller 200, the hard keys including the power-saving cancel button26 and being used to provide instructions for execution of copy and soforth.

After that, an operation is performed on the UI touch panel 216, thehard keys, or the like to specify a function, whereby theduring-power-saving monitoring control section 24 supplies power todevices that are necessary for the function specified using theoperation. In a case in which an operation is performed on thepower-saving cancel button 26, power is simultaneously supplied to allof the devices. Note that, although power is supplied to all devicesthat are necessary for a specified function in the present exemplaryembodiment, power may be supplied to all of the devices regardless of aspecified function.

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram illustrating a flow of control,which is performed in the during-power-saving monitoring control section24, for monitoring a state in which a person approaches the imageprocessing apparatus 10 during the power saving mode. Note that FIG. 3functionally illustrates the control for monitoring a state in which aperson approaches the image processing apparatus 10, and does not limita hardware configuration.

The first human-presence sensor 28 and the second human-presence sensor30 are individually connected to an output-signal analyzing unit 50. Theoutput-signal analyzing unit 50 analyses the detection signals, whichhave been input from the first human-presence sensor 28 and the secondhuman-presence sensor 30, so that times at which the detection signalsare detected and so forth are associated with each other, therebyobtaining analytical results. The output-signal analyzing unit 50transmits the analytical results one by one to a stage-classificationreading unit 52 and a stage-classification determination unit 54.

A stage-classification holding unit 56 is connected to thestage-classification reading unit 52. The stage-classification readingunit 52 reads a present stage classification (among first to thirdstages) that is held in the stage-classification holding unit 56, andtransmits the present stage classification to the stage-classificationdetermination unit 54.

The stage-classification holding unit 56 is connected to aninitial-stage-classification registration unit 58. An instruction signalrepresenting an instruction for shifting to the power saving mode isinput from the CPU 204 of the main controller 200 to theinitial-stage-classification registration unit 58. When the instructionsignal representing an instruction for shifting to the power saving modeis input, the initial-stage-classification registration unit 58 reads aninitial stage (here, the first stage) that is held in theinitial-stage-classification memory 60, and registers the initial stagein the stage-classification holding unit 56.

The stage-classification determination unit 54 determines a new stageclassification on the basis of the analytical results that have beenobtained by analyzing the detection signals output from the firsthuman-presence sensor 28 and the second human-presence sensor 30 withthe output-signal analyzing unit 50, and on the basis of the presentstage classification that has been received from thestage-classification reading unit 52.

A stage-classification update unit 62 and apower-supply-instruction-signal output unit 64 are connected to thestage-classification determination unit 54.

As a result of determination performed by the stage-classificationdetermination unit 54, when it is determined that a new stageclassification is one of the first to third stages, thestage-classification determination unit 54 outputs the new stageclassification, which is one of the first to third stages, to thestage-classification update unit 62. The stage-classification updateunit 62 is connected to the stage-classification holding unit 56. As aresult, the stage-classification update unit 62 performs an updateprocess so that the new stage classification which has been received isheld in the stage-classification holding unit 56.

In contrast, as a result of determination performed by thestage-classification determination unit 54, when it is determined thatthe new stage classification is a fourth stage, the stage-classificationdetermination unit 54 outputs the fourth stage to thepower-supply-instruction-signal output unit 64. Thepower-supply-instruction-signal output unit 64 outputs, to the CPU 204of the main controller 200, an instruction for shifting to the powersupply mode.

Actions in the present exemplary embodiment will be described below.

In the image processing apparatus 10 in the present exemplaryembodiment, when conditions determined in advance are satisfied,shifting to the power saving mode is performed. In the power savingmode, not only supply of power to the individual devices, which are thefacsimile-communication control circuit 236, the image reading section238, and the image forming section 240, is interrupted, but also supplyof power to the main controller 200 excluding the during-power-savingmonitoring control section 24, and the UI touch panel 216 isinterrupted. In this case, the function of the power-saving cancelbutton 26 connected to the main controller 200 is also stopped.Accordingly, the image processing apparatus 10 enters a state that isequivalent to a state in which a main power switch is completely turnedoff when the image processing apparatus 10 is viewed from thesurroundings thereof. In other words, the image processing apparatus 10enters a state in which, by viewing from the surroundings thereof, itcan be made sure that the power saving mode is assuredly set(realization of “visualization”).

Here, in the present exemplary embodiment, for a trigger for resumingsupply of power to the image processing apparatus 10 that is set in thepower saving mode as described above, the surroundings of the imageprocessing apparatus 10 are monitored by the first human-presence sensor28 and the second human-presence sensor 30 (hereinafter, simply referredto as the “first” and the “second” in some cases in FIG. 5). Whether aperson is approaching the image processing apparatus 10 for the sake ofperforming an operation or not for the sake of performing an operationis distinguished, and whether or not supply of power is to be resumed isdetermined.

FIGS. 4 and 5 are flow diagrams illustrating routines for controllingthe power saving mode.

First, referring to FIG. 4, when the image processing apparatus 10shifts to the power saving mode, a shifting-to-power-saving-modeinterrupt routine is executed. In step 100, a human-presence-sensormonitoring stage, which is described below, is set to the “first stage”.Next, the process proceeds to step 102, an instruction for activating apower-saving-mode monitoring control routine illustrated in FIG. 5 isprovided, and the shifting-to-power-saving-mode interrupt routinefinishes.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating the power-saving-mode monitoringcontrol routine.

In step 104, the present stage classification is determined.

Note that the four stages, i.e., the first to fourth stages, are set asstage classifications that are used for determination in the flowdiagram illustrated in FIG. 5.

The first stage illustrates a state in which a person exists outside thefirst region F (see FIG. 6) or in which a person is standing still inthe first region F (excluding the second region N (see FIG. 6)).

The second stage indicates a state in which a person exists in the firstregion F but has not reached the second region N, and in which theperson is moving.

The third stage indicates a state in which a person is moving in thesecond region N.

The fourth stage indicates a state in which a person is standing stillin the second region N.

Note that, at a point in time when the power-saving-mode monitoringcontrol routine illustrated in FIG. 5 is activated, the first stage isregistered as a stage classification. Accordingly, it is determined instep 104 that the present stage classification is the first stage.

(First Stage)

When it is determined in step 104 that the present stage classificationis the first stage, the process proceeds to step 106, and whether or notthe first human-presence sensor 28 is turned on (whether or not thehigh-level signal is output) is determined. When a result ofdetermination in step 106 is NO, i.e., when the first human-presencesensor 28 is turned off (the low-level signal is output), the processproceeds to step 108, and the present stage classification is set(updated) to be the first stage. The process returns to step 104.

Furthermore, when a result of determination in step 106 is YES, i.e.,when the first human-presence sensor 28 is turned on, the processproceeds to step 110, and the present stage classification is set(updated) to be the second stage. The process returns to step 104.

(Second Stage)

When the present stage classification is the second stage in step 104,the process proceeds to step 112, and whether or not the firsthuman-presence sensor 28 is turned on is determined. When a result ofdetermination in step 112 is NO, i.e., when the first human-presencesensor 28 is turned off, the process proceeds to step 114, and thepresent stage classification is set (updated) to be the first stage. Theprocess returns to step 104.

Furthermore, when a result of determination in step 112 is YES, i.e.,when the first human-presence sensor 28 is turned on, the processproceeds to step 116, and whether or not the second human-presencesensor 30 is turned on is determined. When a result of determination instep 116 is NO, i.e., when the second human-presence sensor 30 is turnedoff, the process proceeds to step 114, and the present stageclassification is set (updated) to be the first stage. The processreturns to step 104.

Moreover, when a result of determination in step 116 is YES, i.e., whenthe second human-presence sensor 30 is turned on, the process proceedsto step 118, and the present stage classification is set (updated) to bethe third stage. The process returns to step 104.

(Third Stage)

When it is determined in step 104 that the present stage classificationis the third stage, the process proceeds to step 120, and whether or notthe first human-presence sensor 28 is turned on is determined. When aresult of determination in step 120 is NO, i.e., when the firsthuman-presence sensor 28 is turned off, the process proceeds to step122, and the present stage classification is set to be the fourth stage.

(Fourth Stage)

The fourth stages indicates a state in which a person is standing stillin front of the image processing apparatus 10. Accordingly, in otherwords, it is supposed that a person is close to the image processingapparatus 10 and is standing still for the sake of performing anoperation on the image processing apparatus 10. The process proceedsfrom step 122 to step 124. The CPU 204 of the main controller 200 isinstructed to shift from the power saving mode to the power supply mode.The power-saving-mode monitoring control routine finishes.

When the main controller 200 is instructed to shift to the power supplymode, the main controller 200 at least activates the functions (whichincludes a backlight) of the UI touch panel 216, and enables anoperation that is to be performed on the hard keys including thepower-saving cancel button 26. The main controller 200 causes the imageprocessing apparatus 10 to enter a state in which the image processingapparatus 10 waits for an operation performed by a user.

As a result, when a user performs, for example, an operation for copyingon the UI touch panel 216 or the like that receives minimum necessarypower, power is supplied to the image reading section 238 and the imageforming section 240.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, when a result of determination in step 120 isYES, i.e., when the first human-presence sensor 28 is turned on, theprocess proceeds to step 126, and whether or not the secondhuman-presence sensor 30 is turned on is determined. When a result ofdetermination in step 126 is NO, i.e., when the second human-presencesensor 30 is turned off, the process proceeds to step 128, and thepresent stage classification is set (updated) to be the second stage.The process returns to step 104.

Furthermore, when a result of determination in step 126 is YES, i.e.,when the second human-presence sensor 30 is turned on, the processproceeds to step 130, and the present stage classification is set(updated) to be the third stage. The process returns to step 104.

Examples

FIGS. 6 to 9 illustrate specific examples in which determination ofwhether a person is approaching the image processing apparatus 10 forthe sake of using the image processing apparatus 10 or not for the sakeof using the image processing apparatus 10 is performed in the presentexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of the image processing apparatus 10 and theperiphery thereof. The first region F and the second region N are set atpositions distant from the image processing apparatus 10 that is placedalong the wall surface W.

Here, in FIG. 6, patterns A to C are illustrated as patterns, which arebroadly classified, of movement of a person in a state in which theimage processing apparatus 10 is disposed as described above.

The pattern A indicates a movement path along which a person approachesa position at which the person can perform an operation on the imageprocessing apparatus 10, along which the person becomes still to performan operation for the sake of using the image processing apparatus 10,and along which the person moves away from the image processingapparatus 10. The position of the person who moves along the movementpath sequentially changes as follows: outside the regions (the firststage); in the first region F (the second stage); in the second region N(the third stage, and, further, when the person becomes still, it isdetermined that the present stage classification is the fourth stage, sothat the power saving mode is cancelled); in the first region F (thesecond stage); and outside the regions (the first stage).

The pattern B indicates a movement path along which a person approachesa position at which the person can perform an operation on the imageprocessing apparatus 10, and along which the person passes by the imageprocessing apparatus 10. The position of the person who moves along themovement path sequentially changes as follows: outside the regions (thefirst stage); the first region F (the second stage); the second region N(the third stage (the person continues moving)); the first region F (thesecond stage); and outside the regions (the first stage).

The pattern C indicates a movement path along which a person passesthrough the vicinity of the image processing apparatus 10 withoutapproaching a position at which the person can perform an operation onthe image processing apparatus 10. The position of the person who movesalong the movement path sequentially changes as follows: outside theregions (the first stage); the first region F (the second stage); andoutside the regions (the first stage).

(Pattern A)

FIG. 7 illustrates a timing diagram of the pattern A, in which timing isillustrated using the detection signals output from the firsthuman-presence sensor 28 and the second human-presence sensor 30.

First, movement of a person is detected by the first human-presencesensor 28 (see Aa illustrated in FIG. 7). While the movement of theperson is being continuously detected, the existence of the person isdetected by the second human-presence sensor 30 (see Ab illustrated inFIG. 7).

At this point in time, the person only exists in front of the imageprocessing apparatus 10, and whether the person exists in front of theimage processing apparatus 10 for the sake of performing an operation orfor the sake of passing by the image processing apparatus 10 is unknown.

Next, while the existence of the person is being detected by the secondhuman-presence sensor 30, the movement of the person is no longerdetected by the first human-presence sensor 28 (see Ac illustrated inFIG. 7). This state indicates that the person suddenly stands still. Itis determined that the person intends to perform an operation on theimage processing apparatus 10, and the power saving mode is cancelled.

When the person moves away from the image processing apparatus 10,first, movement of the person is detected by the first human-presencesensor 28 while the existence of the person is being detected by thesecond human-presence sensor 30 (see Ad illustrated in FIG. 7). Next,the existence of the person is no longer detected by the secondhuman-presence sensor 30 (see Ae illustrated in FIG. 7). Finally, themovement of the person is no longer detected by the first human-presencesensor 28 (see Af illustrated in FIG. 7), thereby recognizing that theperson has moved away from the image processing apparatus 10 (has movedaway to a position farther than the first region F).

Note that, in the present exemplary embodiment, determination of a statein which the person moves away from the image processing apparatus 10 isnot necessarily necessary.

(Pattern B)

FIG. 8 illustrates a timing diagram of the pattern B, in which timing isillustrated using the detection signals output from the firsthuman-presence sensor 28 and the second human-presence sensor 30.

First, movement of a person is detected by the first human-presencesensor 28 (see Ba illustrated in FIG. 8). While the movement of theperson is being detected, the existence of the person is detected by thesecond human-presence sensor 30 (see Bb illustrated in FIG. 8).

At this point in time, the person only exists in front of the imageprocessing apparatus 10, and whether the person exists in front of theimage processing apparatus 10 for the sake of performing an operation orfor the sake of passing by the image processing apparatus 10 is unknown.

Next, while the movement of the person is being continuously detected bythe first human-presence sensor 28, the existence of the person is nolonger detected by the second human-presence sensor 30 (see Bcillustrated in FIG. 8). Finally, the movement of the person is no longerdetected by the first human-presence sensor 28 (see Bd illustrated inFIG. 8), thereby recognizing that the person has moved away from theimage processing apparatus 10 (has moved away to a position farther thanthe first region F).

(Pattern C)

FIG. 9 illustrates a timing diagram of the pattern C, in which timing isillustrated using the detection signals output from the firsthuman-presence sensor 28 and the second human-presence sensor 30.

First, movement of a person is detected by the first human-presencesensor 28 (see Ca illustrated in FIG. 9). While the movement of theperson is being detected, the existence of the person is not detected bythe second human-presence sensor 30. The movement of the person is nolonger detected by the first human-presence sensor 28 (see Cbillustrated in FIG. 9), thereby recognizing that the person has movedaway from the image processing apparatus 10 (has moved away to aposition farther than the first region F).

Note that, in the present exemplary embodiment, power during the powersaving mode (power utilized to activate the during-power-savingmonitoring control section 24) is supplied from the mains power source242. However, if the during-power-saving monitoring control section 24operates using power supplied from an internal battery, a solar cell, ora rechargeable battery that is charged during the power supply mode,supply of power from the mains power source 242 is completelyinterrupted in the power saving mode.

Furthermore, referring to FIG. 2, a configuration is used, in whichpower is supplied on a device-by-device basis to devices (thefacsimile-communication control circuit 236, the image reading section238, the image forming section 240, and a portion of the main controller200, the UI touch panel 216, and so forth) that are necessary for eachprocessing function which is specified, or supply of power to thedevices is interrupted on a device-by-device basis. However, forexample, a configuration may be used, in which power is supplied to allof the devices in the power supply mode, and in which, in contrast,power can be supplied to only at least the first human-presence sensor28, the second human-presence sensor 30, and a monitoring control systemtherefor (the during-power-saving monitoring control section 24) in thepower saving mode.

The foregoing description of the exemplary embodiments of the presentinvention has been provided for the purposes of illustration anddescription. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit theinvention to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously, many modificationsand variations will be apparent to practitioners skilled in the art. Theembodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain theprinciples of the invention and its practical applications, therebyenabling others skilled in the art to understand the invention forvarious embodiments and with the various modifications as are suited tothe particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of theinvention be defined by the following claims and their equivalents.

1. A power-supply control device comprising: a power-supply controlsection that receives supply of power from a mains power source section,and that selectively sets a power supply mode and a power saving mode,the power supply mode being a mode in which power is supplied to aprocessing section that operates using power supplied from the mainspower source section, the power saving mode being a mode in which supplyof power to the processing section is stopped; a first detection sectionfor which a first region comparatively distant from the processingsection is set as a detection target region, which is caused to operateby receiving supply of power at least in the power saving mode set bythe power-supply control section, and which detects whether or not abody capable of movement is moving; a second detection section for whicha second region comparatively near the processing section is set as adetection target region, which is caused to operate by receiving supplyof power at least in the power saving mode set by the power-supplycontrol section, and which detects whether or not the body capable ofmovement exists; and an instruction section that is caused to operate byreceiving supply of power at least in the power saving mode set by thepower-supply control section, and that provides, for the power-supplycontrol section, on the basis of results of detection performed by thefirst detection section and the second detection section, an instructionfor switching between the power supply mode and the power saving mode.2. The power-supply control device according to claim 1, wherein theinstruction section makes distinctions among a first situation, a secondsituation, and a third situation on the basis of the results ofdetection performed by the first detection section and the seconddetection section, and provides, for the power-supply control section,the instruction for switching between the power supply mode and thepower saving mode, the first situation being a situation in which thebody capable of movement approaches and stops at a position at which thebody capable of movement is able to perform an operation on theprocessing section, the second situation being a situation in which thebody capable of movement approaches a position at which the body capableof movement is able to perform an operation on the processing sectionbut does not stop at the position, the third situation being a situationin which the body capable of movement passes by the processing sectionwithout approaching a position at which the body capable of movement isable to perform an operation on the processing section.
 3. Thepower-supply control device according to claim 2, wherein thedistinction between the first situation and the other situations is madeon the basis of results which are obtained as the results of detectionperformed by the first detection section and the second detectionsection and which indicate that the body capable of movement enters thefirst region and then enters the second region, and that movement of thebody capable of movement is not detected by the first detection section,wherein the distinction between the second situation and the othersituations is made on the basis of results which are obtained as theresults of detection performed by the first detection section and thesecond detection section and which indicate that the body capable ofmovement enters the first region, enters the second region, leaves thesecond region while movement of the body capable of movement is beingcontinuously detected by the first detection section, and leaves thefirst region, and wherein the distinction between the third situationand the other situations is made on the basis of results which areobtained as the results of detection performed by the first detectionsection and the second detection section and which indicate that thebody capable of movement enters the first region, and then leaves thefirst region without entering the second region.
 4. The power-supplycontrol device according to claim 1, wherein, when the first detectionsection does not detect that the body capable of movement is moving andthe second detection section detects that the body capable of movementexists, the instruction section provides, for the power-supply controlsection, an instruction for switching from the power saving mode to thepower supply mode.
 5. An image processing apparatus comprising: thepower-supply control device according to claim 1; and at least one of animage reading section, an image forming section, and afacsimile-communication control section, the image reading sectionreading an image from a document image, the image forming sectionforming an image on a recording sheet on the basis of image information,the facsimile-communication control section transmitting an image to atransmission destination in accordance with a communication procedurewhich is mutually determined in advance, wherein the image readingsection, the image forming section, and the facsimile-communicationcontrol section perform each of image processing functions bycooperating with each other, the image processing functions beingspecified by a user and including an image reading function, an imageforming function, an image copy function, a facsimile receptionfunction, and a facsimile transmission function.
 6. An image processingapparatus comprising: the power-supply control device according to claim2; and at least one of an image reading section, an image formingsection, and a facsimile-communication control section, the imagereading section reading an image from a document image, the imageforming section forming an image on a recording sheet on the basis ofimage information, the facsimile-communication control sectiontransmitting an image to a transmission destination in accordance with acommunication procedure which is mutually determined in advance, whereinthe image reading section, the image forming section, and thefacsimile-communication control section perform each of image processingfunctions by cooperating with each other, the image processing functionsbeing specified by a user and including an image reading function, animage forming function, an image copy function, a facsimile receptionfunction, and a facsimile transmission function.
 7. An image processingapparatus comprising: the power-supply control device according to claim3; and at least one of an image reading section, an image formingsection, and a facsimile-communication control section, the imagereading section reading an image from a document image, the imageforming section forming an image on a recording sheet on the basis ofimage information, the facsimile-communication control sectiontransmitting an image to a transmission destination in accordance with acommunication procedure which is mutually determined in advance, whereinthe image reading section, the image forming section, and thefacsimile-communication control section perform each of image processingfunctions by cooperating with each other, the image processing functionsbeing specified by a user and including an image reading function, animage forming function, an image copy function, a facsimile receptionfunction, and a facsimile transmission function.
 8. An image processingapparatus comprising: the power-supply control device according to claim4; and at least one of an image reading section, an image formingsection, and a facsimile-communication control section, the imagereading section reading an image from a document image, the imageforming section forming an image on a recording sheet on the basis ofimage information, the facsimile-communication control sectiontransmitting an image to a transmission destination in accordance with acommunication procedure which is mutually determined in advance, whereinthe image reading section, the image forming section, and thefacsimile-communication control section perform each of image processingfunctions by cooperating with each other, the image processing functionsbeing specified by a user and including an image reading function, animage forming function, an image copy function, a facsimile receptionfunction, and a facsimile transmission function.
 9. A power-supplycontrol method comprising: receiving supply of power from a mains powersource section; selectively setting a power supply mode and a powersaving mode, the power supply mode being a mode in which power issupplied to a processing section that operates using power supplied fromthe mains power source section, the power saving mode being a mode inwhich supply of power to the processing section is stopped; setting afirst region comparatively distant from the processing section as adetection target region for a first detection section; causing the firstdetection section to operate by supplying power to the first detectionsection at least in the power saving mode that is set; detecting, withthe first detection section, whether or not a body capable of movementis moving to obtain a first detection result; setting a second regioncomparatively near the processing section as a detection target regionfor a second detection section; causing the second detection section tooperate by supplying power to the second detection at least in the powersaving mode that is set; detecting, with the second detection section,whether or not the body capable of movement exists to obtain a seconddetection result; causing an instruction section to operate by supplyingpower to the instruction section at least in the power saving mode thatis set; and providing, from the instruction section, on the basis of thefirst and second detection results, an instruction for switching betweenthe power supply mode and the power saving mode.
 10. A computer readablemedium storing a program causing a computer to execute a process forcontrolling supply of power, the process comprising: receiving supply ofpower from a mains power source section; selectively setting a powersupply mode and a power saving mode, the power supply mode being a modein which power is supplied to a processing section that operates usingpower supplied from the mains power source section, the power savingmode being a mode in which supply of power to the processing section isstopped; setting a first region comparatively distant from theprocessing section as a detection target region for a first detectionsection; causing the first detection section to operate by supplyingpower to the first detection section at least in the power saving modethat is set; detecting, with the first detection section, whether or nota body capable of movement is moving to obtain a first detection result;setting a second region comparatively near the processing section as adetection target region for a second detection section; causing thesecond detection section to operate by supplying power to the seconddetection at least in the power saving mode that is set; detecting, withthe second detection section, whether or not the body capable ofmovement exists to obtain a second detection result; causing aninstruction section to operate by supplying power to the instructionsection at least in the power saving mode that is set; and providing,from the instruction section, on the basis of the first and seconddetection results, an instruction for switching between the power supplymode and the power saving mode.